The Middle Ages in Europe followed the end of the Roman Empire, and in this time of change, which preceded the Renaissance, furniture was simple and utilitarian, with most homes having only the necessities like chests and benches. Much of medieval furniture, which was often made in oak or walnut, was built for the elite, particularly the emerging merchant class who owned multiple homes.
Life for many in the medieval era was unstable, and furniture was designed to be functional and portable. Peasants worked the fields for affluent landowners and didn’t have access to literature in the way that nobles and people of the church did (women less so than men). The furniture in their modest dwellings was typically limited to cookware and a handful of stools. Foldable chairs, while uncommon in homes of the early Middle Ages and emblematic of wealth, like all other furnishings of the time, allowed for easy transportation of a household. Trestle tables with detachable legs and collapsible beds were designed to be simply moved from place to place.
Medieval blanket chests were among the most important furniture objects and could further serve as tables or even beds. Some ancient traditions were carried forward to build this sturdy furniture, such as turnery. Although the furniture was minimally designed, embellishments like carvings added elegance to the heavy wood pieces. These details sometimes reflected trends in religious art like rose windows.
By the later Middle Ages, storage pieces like chests of drawers were often adorned with high relief carvings, such as geometric and floral motifs. By the 14th and 15th centuries, design had developed to include more involved pieces like cupboards and desks, while benches frequently doubled as chests with hinged seats. Beds also changed in this era from basic boards to four-post designs with large drapes to keep the sleeper warm. These beds and other medieval bedroom furniture were significant status symbols, passed down through families and used as places to conduct business and receive visitors.
Surviving examples of medieval furniture are very rare, yet its distinctive aesthetics influenced later styles like William and Mary and Arts and Crafts.
Find a collection of medieval seating, garden elements, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Monumental Cast Bronze Exterior Lanterns By The General Electric Company
By General Electric Company (GEC) 1
Located in Nottingham, GB
MONUMENTAL CAST BRONZE EXTERIOR LANTERNS BY THE GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY Run of Four – Formerly Installed at the G.E.C Factory, Swinton, South Yorkshire An exceptionally rare survi...
Bronze
$1,522Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Medieval Tuscan Mortar in Nembro Marble, Italy
Located in Roma, IT
Incredilbe apothecary Mortar in Nembro Marble, made from a single block of marble and dated back to the early 600 from Tuscany. It was used in the in apothecaries to grind herbs and spices into powder for food or medicine. Very unique and rare piece in great conditions considering the the period to which it dates. This highly sculptural and unique piece would be suitable today as a magnificent decoration on a table or mantle, or to grace the counter of an open kitchen...
Marble
$741Sale Price|25% Off
3'1"x12'2" Red Vintage Persian Joshogan Hand Knotted Wool Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Blush Red, Vintage Persian Joshogan with Geometric Medallions, Worn Out and Distressed, Zero Pile, Clean, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Wide Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool L...
Wool
Gothic Style Solid Brass Tiered Floor Standing Candelabra Tripod Bases a Pair
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous vintage Gothic style solid cast brass tiered floor standing candelabra with tripod bases, a pair. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so ...
Brass
Late 19th Century French Aubusson Verdure Tapestry with Louis XVI Revival Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79208 Late 19th Century Antique French Aubusson Tapestry, 06'00 x 08'10. A sanctuary of woven splendor and poetic artistry, this handwoven wool and silk French Aubusson tapestry from...
Wool, Silk
$6,223Sale Price|20% Off
French Large Trunk- Chest - Gothic oak from the 16th century - France
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Large solid oak chest from the 16th century Gothic period Very pretty French, Norman work. Decorated with Gothic motifs on 5 panels on the facade. Note reassembly in the 18th and 19...
Wood
Early 19th Century Carved Oak Box Settle The Settle has carved geometric design
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Early 19th Century Carved Oak Box Settle The Settle has carved geometric designs on the back and on the bottom with detailed Lions carved in to the arm rests, and the seat opens up ...
Oak
$440Sale Price|20% Off
1800s Baroque / Gothic Style Brass Church Candlestick
Located in Skien, NO
This stunning brass/bronze candlestick features a rustic patina and showcases the craftsmanship of the European Gothic Revival and Baroque styles from the 1800s. Its timeless desig...
Brass, Bronze
Early 17th Century Medieval Handcrafted Black Iron Coffer or Box
Located in Brescia, IT
The iron coffer, fully original in every part of it, was forged and handcrafted in German in the 1610. Complete with key. Full working iron mechanisms. It ...
Iron
Fireplace Tools Stand in Gilt Wrought Iron with Dragon Motif, Spain, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish hand forged iron four-piece fireplace tools set stand with scrolls ornamentation, dragon motif and gilt patinated finish. Spain, 1940s. This sculptural tools set hangs on a t...
Iron, Wrought Iron
$2,370Sale Price|25% Off
8'x10' Blue, Silk with Wool, Tone on Tone, Modern Design Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Sky Blue, Silk with Textured Wool, Tone on Tone, Modern All Over Design, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transiti...
Wool
Very Large and Rare Christ on the Cross ( height 130. cms ) 14th Century
Located in PARIS, FR
Very large Christ on the Cross ( height 1,30 m), Painted and carved in the round in poplar wood. Some old traces of polychromy. Restorations to the fingers. but not recently. South...
Poplar
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Ferdinand. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Ferdinand Illuminated Chromolithograph Published circa 1880 Unframed. Free shipping The measurement is the paper size
Paper
Antique Rare Medieval Illuminated Vellum Psalm Leaf, Italy, c.1350–1450
Located in Doha, QA
A beautifully preserved medieval illuminated manuscript leaf on vellum (animal skin), dating to circa 1350–1450, originating from Europe. Italy. This striking example of Gothic craftsmanship features elegant textura script meticulously hand-lettered in rich brown ink across both sides, accompanied by vibrant rubrication and finely rendered initials in red and blue. The recto is adorned with a large illuminated initial, intricately decorated with geometric and foliate motifs, while delicate pen flourishes extend into the margins, demonstrating the skill and artistry of a professional scriptorium. The verso continues with carefully structured text and ornamentation, revealing the continuity of the manuscript’s original use. The presence of decoration on both sides highlights its authenticity as a working liturgical page rather than a later decorative fragment. Executed on supple vellum, the surface retains a beautiful natural patina, with subtle tonal variations and signs of age that enhance its historical character. The text is drawn from the Latin Psalms, traditionally used in devotional practice, adding both spiritual and cultural significance. The text translates in English as: “Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you. Do not hide your face from me; in the day when I am in trouble, incline your ear to me. On whatever day I call upon you, hear me quickly. For my days have vanished like smoke, and my bones have dried up like firewood. I am stricken like grass and my heart has withered, so that I forget to eat my bread. From the voice of my groaning, my bones cling to my flesh. I have become like a pelican in the wilderness; I am like an owl among the ruins. I lie awake, and I am like a solitary sparrow on a rooftop. All the day my enemies reproach me; those who praised me swear against me. For I have eaten ashes like bread and mingled my drink with weeping.” Presented in a custom frame, this rare...
Animal Skin, Glass, Wood, Paint
Indian Carved Sandstone Frieze of Lakshmi, Central India, 10th-11th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A large and impressive Indian carved sandstone architectural frieze featuring a central image of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi flanked by two atten...
Sandstone
A Rare English Gothic Style Highly Carved Walnut & Polychromed Fire-Place C.1860
Located in Tarzana, CA
A Rare English Gothic Style Highly Carved Walnut & Polychromed Fire-Place Carved with precision by the most gifted carpenters in the 19th century. This fire place was made for the ...
Walnut
Gothic oak sculpted panel from the 16th century, Belgium
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Belgium / 16th century / wooden sculpted panel / oak / Gothic / Rustic / Antique A panel in oak wood enriched with Gothic graphic carvings. Hand carved in Belgium in the 16th centur...
Oak
English Gothic Style Painted Wood and Glass Sliding Door
Located in Queens, NY
English Gothic-style (19th Century) large wooden sliding door with track rollers affixed to the top, with a painted faux wood finish and amber leaded glass panels. Paint is chipping.
Glass
18th Century French Gothic Forged Wrought Iron Candle Holder
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1780 and forged of solid iron, the candle holder stands on four scrolled legs over a turned central shaft decorated with a few ornamental discs. The tall wrou...
Wrought Iron
$1,866Sale Price|25% Off
8'4"x9'4" Denim Blue Hand Knotted Soft and Shiny Wool Moroccan Berber Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Denim Blue Hand Knotted Boujaad Soft and Shiny Wool, Moroccan Berber with Criss Cross Pattern, Natural Dyes, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted f...
Wool
Antique Glastonbury Chair, English, Oak, Elbow Seat, Gothic Revival, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Glastonbury chair. An English, oak armchair in Gothic Revival taste, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880. A superb example of the traditional Glastonbury fo...
Oak
$499Sale Price|25% Off
2'10"x9' Carob Brown Vintage Northwest Persian Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Carob Brown, Vintage Northwest Persian with Animal Figurines, Worn Down and Distressed, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Runner, Oriental Ru...
Wool
French Tapestry, Genuine Jacquard in Medieval Style - H160xW142 cm - No. 1440
By Royal Manufacture of Aubusson, Aubusson Manufacture
Located in Paris, FR
Located a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower in Paris, we are a French family business specializing in the purchase, sale, expertise, cleaning, restoration and conservation of tapes...
Wool
$1,995Sale Price|25% Off
9'x12'1" Brown Wool and Silk Hand Knotted Modern Grass Design Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Shades of Brown, Wool and Silk, Hand Knotted, Modern Grass Design, Tone on Tone, Lush and Plush, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches S...
Wool
A Pair 19th Century Candelabras - Bronze Patinated Spelter - Gothic Style
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful set of 2 antique candelabras in Gothic style. The candelabras each have room for three candles. Estimated origin and age: France, circa 1900. The candelabras are made of ...
Spelter
$557Sale Price|25% Off
3'x9'8" Brown Vintage Persian Hamadan Hand Knotted Wool Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Coffee Brown, Vintage Persian Hamadan with Bird Figurines, Hand Knotted, Worn Down and Distressed, 100% Wool, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Runner, Oriental Rug P...
Wool
$13,200Sale Price|20% Off
Very Rare 15th C. Medieval English Carved Solid Oak Dowry Coffer with Drawer
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Exquisitely carved and well preserved Medieval England dowry coffer. Remarkable decorative "palm-arched" reliefs on the facade echo the design on the ...
Oak
Antique French Gilt Metal Chandelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique French Gilt Metal Chandelier Country: France Materials: Gilt Metal Condition: Shows Patina From Age Style: French Gothic Year: 1950’s $1,895 Dimensions: 30”H x 24”W x 24”D
Metal
$2,200 / set
French 18th Century Forged Iron Andirons
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A towering pair of 18th century French forged, wrought iron andiron-chenets to watch over the hearth. They include a small basket at the top for warming, the rim impressed with a geo...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Gothic Style Spanish 1940's Eight Light Chandelier
Located in Buchanan, NY
This unusual Spanish 1940s medieval style iron chandelier features a sturdy frame with eight torchiere arms suspended from an ornate hanger. The fixture has been recently wired to ac...
Iron
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
16th Century French Carved Walnut Cassone With Gothic Tracery
Located in Stamford, CT
French 16th century carved walnut chest or cassone with a central panel of Gothic tracery. The only other decoration are simple raised molding square diamonds one the front and sides...
Walnut
Mid-Century French Iron Sixty-Eight Bottle Wine Rack with Lock and Keys
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wine cellar or wet bar with this elegant antique bottle cabinet. Forged in France circa 1960, the wrought iron wine storage stands on small feet and features an arched top...
Iron
19th Century French Gothic Credenza
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Gothic Credenza is a remarkable work of the cabinet maker's art, featuring tailored architecture melded with the timeless intricacies of the style that dates back...
Oak
$10,536Sale Price|20% Off
Red Hand Knotted Wool Antiqued Fine Heriz Re-Creation Oriental Rug 12'1" x 18'2"
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
$1,316Sale Price|25% Off
Blue Hand Knotted Clean Evenly Worn Vibrant Wool Overdyed Old Persian Tabriz Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
16th Century oak carved Gothic Panel, France
Located in Meulebeke, BE
16th century / Belgium / Letter Panel / Oak / Gothic A finely carved Gothic oak panel from 16th-century France. This architectural fragment features graceful vertical fluting framed...
Oak
$2,944 / set
16th Century French Gothic Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
16th century French Gothic andirons made of cast iron. With faces on the spit hooks to discourage evil powers. This product has to be shipped as freight due to its size and/or (volu...
Iron
$2,374Sale Price|25% Off
2'9"x21'9" Gray Persian Village Inspired Design Hand Knotted All Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Medium Gray, Persian Village Inspired Geometric Elements Design, Natural Dyes, Denser Weave, Organic Wool, Hand Knotted, XL Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pil...
Wool
$6,900Sale Price|25% Off
9'6"x14' Ivory Persian Nain with Medallion Design Wool & Silk Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Cream White, Persian Nain with Flower Medallion Design, Wool and Silk, Hand Knotted, 400 KPSI, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Sty...
Wool
Very Large Reclaimed Medieval Style Stained Glass Window
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A very large rectangular reclaimed medieval style stained glass window, one of three similar in the same design in different sizes we are selling. This stained and leaded glass pan...
Lead
$808Sale Price|20% Off
An Architectural Model of a Gothic Pinnacle France
Located in Chonburi, TH
This architectural model is a stunning representation of a Gothic pinnacle from France, standing at an impressive height of 51 cm. Crafted with meticul...
Oak
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Dominic. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Dominic Illuminated Chromolithograph Published circa 1880 Unframed. Free shipping The measurement is the paper size
Paper
A Small Gothic Revival Cast Iron Fender with Pierced Trefoil Decoration
Located in London, GB
A Small Gothic Revival Cast Iron Fender with pierced trefoil and pointed arch decoration to the front and sides, a row of decorative arches with fleur-de-lys motifs, and a castellate...
Iron
Wonderful Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry « Maximilian's Hunt »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French hand-printed tapestry featuring the exquisite design of « The month of July or The sign of the lion or The report, from the tapestry ...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
19th Century Victorian Terracotta Model Of A Gothic Font
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century Victorian terracotta model of a gothic font. An English architectural model of a font in the ecclesiastical style dated to circa 1850. The octagonal design has a repeating trefoil design on all sides. A pleasing object modelled after an unknown church font...
Terracotta
Stunning Handcrafted Late 1800s Gothic Casket with Peacock & Gargoyle Sculptures
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful and rare Gothic Revival treasure box with bronze handle. If you are a collector of antique boxes and/or if you are looking for an extraordinary jewelry box to grace your credenza or side table then this unique and top quality made specimen in the Gothic style could be perfect. Gothic Revival boxes are very hard to find and we have never seen one with such prodigious carvings on all sides. The unique and cat-like dragon gargoyles (with fangs) that look like they are carrying this casket, are just some of the stunningly carved and detailed sculptures that make this antique rarity even more artistic and impressive. Another great feature are the peacock sculptures. In Christianity the peacock is the symbol of purity. Christians believe that once someone has passed their soul rises and goes to heaven. This is why in earlier times Christians would spread the feathers of a peacock over the deceased since it symbolized a pure soul that was immune to corruption. The peacock also represents immortality, resurrection, and the spiritual teachings of Jesus Christ and the Christian church. Have you also noticed the top quality details on both ends of the bronze handle on top? The quality of that ornamental work is of the absolute highest standard also. There are many more incredibly beautiful, hand carved details and together they show that no expense was spared to create one of the most amazing Gothic caskets...
Bronze, Iron
Fence Door Pediment / Wall Decoration in Wrought Iron, Spain 1930s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique spanish door fence pediment / crest in iron, hand forged, Spain, Early 20th century. This eye-catching wall fence was entirely made by hand in forged iron. A master work of t...
Iron, Wrought Iron
$2,806Sale Price|25% Off
Blue Afghan Kashkuli Gabbeh Hand Knotted All Wool Oriental Rug 8'0" x 9'7"
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
Pair of 19th Century French Forged Iron Candlesticks
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of forged iron candlesticks candle holders with a handle in the form of a sea creature and a movable clamp to keep your candle in place ...
Iron
$450Sale Price|25% Off
3'3"x5'5" Brown Antique Persian Lilihan Shabby Chic Hand Knotted Pure Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Penny Brown, Antique Persian Lilihan, Shabby Chic, Worn Down, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Clean, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pi...
Wool
$1,981Sale Price|25% Off
2'7"x12'1" Brown Hand Knotted Mamluk Design Textured Wool and Silk Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Almond Brown, Hand Knotted, Mamluk Design with Geometric Medallions, Textured Wool and Silk, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches S...
Silk
$1,800
Gothic Iron Chandelier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large Gothic style wrought iron chandelier boasting eight sockets, four on arms and four inset. Beautiful scrolling iron work, including gargoyle heads on each arm. Please confirm lo...
Wrought Iron
$2,292Sale Price|25% Off
4'x6'1" THE PEACOCK Sari Silk Colorful Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind THE PEACOCK, Sari Silk Colorful Hand Knotted Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old Persian weaving crafts...
Silk
$1,470Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Gothic Revival Wrought Iron Torchiere Altar Candle Stand Floor Lamp 70"
Located in Dayton, OH
Large antique wrought / forged iron converted torchiere candle stand / candle holder floor lamp featuring Gothic / Spanish styling with scrolled accents, fleur de lis and two lights....
Iron
$3,080Sale Price|30% Off
Rare Antique Hubbell Carved Oak Figural Dolphins Library Column Floor Lamp
By Hubbell
Located in Dayton, OH
A rare and one of a kind antique figural carved oak floor lamp, circa 1920s. Meticulously carved with amazing detail throughout. Features a swiss guard with torchiere staff atop a sq...
Oak
19th Century Carved Wood Religious Statue of a Saint holding skull
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early polychromed hand carved wood figure, St Francis of Assisi..Wonderful depiction,, original condition.. paint ,surface, patina..Amazing detail.. missing hand and damaged foot (s...
Wood, Paint
17th century Gothic hand sculpted oak panel from Belgium
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Belgium / 17th century / wooden sculpted panel / oak / Gothic / Rustic / Antique A panel in oak wood enriched with Gothic carvings. Hand carved in Belgium in the 17th century. This ...
Oak
Rare Reclaimed Italian Limestone Fireplace Mantel
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
This limestone mantel is one of twelve fireplace mantels that we've recently acquired from a chateau-like mansion in Italy. All twelve rare mantels were intricately hand carved by ...
Limestone
Vintage French Medieval Tapestry, the Promenade Tapestry
Located in Dallas, TX
77769, vintage French Medieval tapestry, the Promenade tapestry. Drawing inspiration from a combination of Pieter van Aeist and French Medieval sty...
Wool
Antique Pair Gothic Revival of Handcrafted Gilt Bronze Candlesticks Holders
Located in Lisse, NL
Great pair of 19th century candleholders. If you are looking for a stylish and small pair of church candle holders to create a special atmospher...
Brass, Bronze